Xpress Times Team

The Crime Branch of Mumbai Police has made two additional arrests in connection with the murder of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique, bringing the total number of arrests in the case to 18. On Thursday, the police apprehended Aditya Gudankar and Rafiq Shaikh, both from Pune, Maharashtra. The duo was presented before the Esplanade Court and has been remanded to police custody until November 13.

The Uttar Pradesh State Women’s Commission has proposed several new safety measures aimed at enhancing the protection of women in public and commercial spaces. Among the key recommendations discussed at a meeting on October 28 in Lucknow, the commission has suggested banning male tailors from taking women’s measurements and restricting male trainers from conducting gym and yoga sessions for women. These proposals are part of a broader initiative to ensure safer environments for women across the state.

Despite a reduction in the contribution from stubble burning, Delhi's air quality continued to remain in the "very poor" category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 387 at 12 PM on Friday, dangerously close to the "severe" range. The AQI had registered 390 at 11 AM, and 377 as the 24-hour average on Thursday. The high pollution levels have led to poor visibility and widespread health concerns for the residents of the national capital.

In a bid to increase voter turnout during the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections on November 20, all businesses, establishments, and workplaces within the Brihanmumbai limits have been mandated to grant leave to employees for voting. This directive, issued by the Mumbai district election officer, aims to ensure that every eligible voter in the city has the opportunity to cast their vote without the concern of losing a day's pay.

Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murty, were recently spotted enjoying a coffee date at Third Wave Coffee in Bengaluru, captivating locals and igniting excitement across social media platforms. In casual attire, Sunak sported a crisp white shirt and black trousers, while Murty opted for a pastel-colored kurta, as they ordered at the counter before settling into their table. Their outing marks a rare public appearance for the couple, known for their packed schedules.

In a significant judgment, the Delhi High Court sentenced a lawyer to four months’ imprisonment after finding him guilty of criminal contempt for "scandalising and lowering the dignity" of the court through derogatory remarks against judges. The court, represented by a bench of Justices Pratibha M. Singh and Amit Sharma, concluded that the lawyer's comments amounted to contempt, citing his use of "deplorable and derogatory language" directed at judicial officers, high court judges, and the court as a whole.

Tourism in Goa is witnessing a significant decline, with many Indian tourists now opting for Southeast Asian destinations like Thailand and Sri Lanka over the coastal state. A viral post on X (formerly Twitter) shared by Ramanuj Mukherjee has highlighted the drop in foreign visitors to Goa, with statistics from CEIC showing that only 1.5 million foreign tourists visited the state in 2023, compared to 8.5 million in 2019. Despite a steady rise in domestic tourism post-Covid, the negative experiences faced by tourists in Goa are threatening to drive even local visitors away.

Delhi’s air quality remained in the “very poor” category for the fifth straight day on Thursday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) continuing to stay over 350. Calm winds have continued to hinder the dispersion of pollutants, keeping the capital’s air quality at dangerous levels. The city has recorded a rise in the AQI since November 3, when it peaked at 382, marking the highest level of the season so far.

Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) security forces successfully concluded a two-day operation in Kupwara district’s Lolab area, leading to the death of one terrorist and the recovery of a cache of weapons, officials confirmed on Thursday.

Delhi's air quality remained at hazardous levels on Wednesday, as the city continued to face a "very poor" air quality index (AQI) for the fourth consecutive day. Calm winds and a layer of shallow fog contributed to the ongoing air pollution, with visibility dipping to around 800 meters early in the morning. The shallow fog, which was recorded for a second day, has exacerbated the situation, making it difficult for pollutants to disperse.

In a significant decision on Wednesday, the Supreme Court ruled that holders of a Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) license can now legally drive transport vehicles weighing less than 7,500 kg without needing a separate license. The judgment, delivered by a five-judge Constitution bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, dismissed challenges by insurance companies that had opposed a similar 2017 ruling by a three-judge bench.

Bhubaneswar, Odisha – In an era where words shape realities and verse carves out new worlds, Kasturi Sinha stands tall as a beacon of literary brilliance. Hailing from Bhubaneswar, the city of temples, she has made an indelible mark on the world of poetry and prose. Currently pursuing her PhD in English Literature from Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, Kasturi’s journey as a poet and writer has been one of passion, persistence, and profound creativity.

In a tragic incident on Diwali night, a man in Bengaluru lost his life after a dangerous bet involving a firecracker went wrong. The deceased, identified as Sabarish, 32, reportedly took up a dare from friends, agreeing to sit on a cardboard box under which a powerful firecracker was placed, with the promise of a new autorickshaw as a reward.

A MiG-29 fighter jet belonging to the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed near Agra on Monday during a routine training sortie. The aircraft, which had taken off from Adampur in Punjab, encountered a system malfunction while en route to Agra for an exercise. Fortunately, the pilot managed to eject safely before the crash.